🏝️ How to Refuel a Rental Car in Okinawa

Simple Guide for First-Time Travelers

0. Conclusion: Remember Two Important Words

When you look for a gas station in Okinawa, two Japanese words will help you:

• セルフ (Self-Service) — You refuel the car
• フル (Full Service) — Staff refuel the car

If you see the word “セルフ” on a sign, it is usually a self-service station.

If you feel nervous, choosing Full Service is totally OK. Quiet Okinawa supports a calm and stress-free trip.

1. Why Many Travelers Feel Nervous

• Japanese signs look difficult
• Machines feel confusing
• Fuel types are different
• You do not want to make a mistake
• You do not want to damage the car

These feelings are normal. Many travelers feel the same on their first day.

2. Two Types of Gas Stations in Japan

Self-Service

• You refuel the car
• Cheaper price
• Very common in Okinawa
• Some stations have English menus

Full Service

• Staff refuel the car
• A little more expensive
• Sometimes English-friendly
• Best choice for beginners

If you feel unsure, choose Full Service. It is the safest option.

3. How to Find a Gas Station (Google Maps)

Search these words in Google Maps:

• gas station near me
• Eneos near me
• Idemitsu near me

ENEOS and Idemitsu are common gas station brands in Japan.

Quiet Okinawa Tip

Many stations open early and close late. But some stations in northern Okinawa close earlier than expected.

4. How to Use a Self-Service Gas Station (9 Steps)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Select language (English if available)
2. Choose payment (credit card or cash)
3. Choose fuel type (Regular / High Octane / Diesel)
4. Touch the antistatic pad (静電気除去シート)
5. Pick up the nozzle
6. Refuel (hold the lever)
7. Return the nozzle
8. Take your receipt
9. If you paid with cash, collect your change from the Change Machine

🔍 Quiet Okinawa Tip: Cash Change System

If you pay with cash, change does not come out of the pump.

You must take your receipt (with a barcode) to a separate “Change Machine” (精算機) near the wall or cashier.

Do not lose your receipt.

5. How to Choose the Correct Fuel

Use Colors + Check the Car

In Japan, nozzle colors are the same everywhere:

• Regular = Red nozzle
• High Octane = Yellow nozzle
• Diesel = Green nozzle

Fuel names may appear only in Japanese:

• Regular = レギュラー
• High Octane = ハイオク
• Diesel = 軽油

Quiet Okinawa Tip

Never guess the fuel type. Always check the fuel cap, car sticker, or rental agreement before lifting a nozzle.

6. Before Returning Your Rental Car

Many rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank.

If you do not refuel, they may charge a higher refueling fee than a gas station.

They may also ask for:

• A receipt from the gas station
• A receipt from a station near the return office

Quiet Okinawa Tips

• Keep your receipt in the car
• Take a photo of the receipt
• For airport returns, refuel 10–15 minutes before the return office

6.5 Allow Extra Time on Airport Return Days

Gas stations near Naha Airport and Tomigusuku can be busy in the late afternoon.

On your flight day, consider:

• Refueling
• Returning the car
• Shuttle bus time
• Airport check-in

Start a little earlier than usual. It will make your day much calmer.

7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Not sure which side the fuel door is on 　→ Check the arrow on the dashboard
• Choosing the wrong fuel 　→ Check the fuel cap
• Throwing away the receipt 　→ Keep it in the car
• Confused by the machine 　→ Choose Full Service
• No stations open at night 　→ North Okinawa has fewer 24-hour stations

8. Summary: It Becomes Easy After One Time

Many travelers feel nervous the first time they use a Japanese gas station. But after just one visit, the process becomes surprisingly simple.

Take your time. Follow the steps. Enjoy your Okinawa drive with a calm mind.

Safe drive, and enjoy your time in Okinawa.

Related Articles

Still feeling unsure about refueling in Okinawa? These guides may help:

👉 Which Side Is the Fuel Door?
A simple 5-second check before entering a gas station.

👉 Gas Stations in Okinawa at Night and Early Morning
Important tips for driving in Northern Okinawa.

👉 Do Gas Stations in Okinawa Use English?
Simple phrases for easy fueling.

👉 Can You Use Credit Cards at Gas Stations in Okinawa?
Payment tips, foreign cards, and cash backup plans.

👉 Rental Car Return Checklist in Okinawa
Fuel, forgotten items, airport shuttle, and return-day tips.